LAURIE MARTINELLI: Look for warning signs of depression

It’s hard to think about actor Robin Williams without smiling. His energy, his intelligence and his humor were so profound and his death brings a sadness equally as profound.

Robin Williams battled depression and substance use. Many others facing the same struggles succumb to the same outcome. Suicide is the leading cause of death for people with mental illness; some even refer to suicide as “death from mental illness.”

While we mourn his loss, we hope his story is not lost on the millions of other Americans who suffer in silence. We must look carefully at those around us, and inside ourselves, to see if there are warning signs.

Most people who commit suicide don't want to die; they just want to stop the pain. That’s where we can help. Organizations like NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) provide knowledge and support for family members of people who are challenged by depression, as well as conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

We can all smile and remember Robin Williams for the gifts he gave us. Hopefully his death will make us all more vigilant so his passing prevents others from the same tragic fate.